Mozilla dropped a bombshell on Thursday, saying it’s pulling the plug on Pocket and Fakespot soon. Pocket, the handy read-it-later app Mozilla snagged in 2017, will bid adieu on July 8th. Not just that, the tech giant is also axing Fakespot, a browser extension that helps folks spot sketchy reviews. The decision was made to align with the changing internet landscape and cater to users’ evolving habits.
What’s the deal with Pocket? Well, it’s been a go-to for millions to stash away interesting articles and uncover captivating stories. But times are changing, and Mozilla wants to focus on projects that sync better with how people surf the web these days. Users can keep enjoying Pocket’s app and browser extensions until July 8th, after which it will transition into export-only mode. Folks have until October 8th to grab their saved articles, from their list to favorites to notes and highlights.
As for Fakespot, it’s getting the boot because, well, despite the cool concept, it wasn’t sustainable in the long run. Mozilla is shifting gears to invest in tools that help users unearth top-notch web content. Think the New Tab experience, email newsletters, and more. This revamped New Tab feature serves up shortcuts to your most-visited sites, recent pages, and bookmarks.
While it’s unclear how many loyal Pocket users are out there, the shutdown news has stirred up some feelings on social media. Mozilla, however, is looking ahead to craft a more personalized and robust browser experience, loaded with AI-powered features. The goal? To build a browser that truly works for you, tailored to your needs and still proudly independent.
Aisha, the crack consumer news reporter over at TechCrunch, spilled the beans on this announcement. She jumped on board in 2021 after a stint covering telecom at MobileSyrup. Armed with a degree from the University of Toronto and a journalism master’s from Western University, she’s here to keep you in the loop.
So, what’s the takeaway from all this Pocket and Fakespot drama? It seems Mozilla is gearing up for a new era of the internet. Vertical tabs, smart search, and more AI-powered goodies are on the horizon. The focus is on creating a browser that’s not just any old browser but one that’s tailored to your browsing needs. Let’s see where this journey takes us, shall we?
